Ex-convict charged with sex assault

The Superior Court has found probable cause to warrant the filing of charges against an ex-convict who is facing charges of sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman.

During Friday’s preliminary hearing, associate judge Joseph N. Camacho ordered Anthony Peter Rios, 38, to answer the charges of sexual assault in the second degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace. He was represented by a public defender.

The sexual assault and other charges allegedly happened in December 2011 and on June 11, 2012, on Saipan.

Last June 19, police arrested Rios’ wife, Xia Liu Rios, for allegedly threatening to harm the victim.

In 2003, Rio was convicted of sexual assault and was subsequently slapped with a five-year sentence.